Coconut (C. nucifera) belongs to the Arecaceae (Palmae) family and the subfamily Cocoideae.

The flesh of the coconut is very high in healthy fatty acids. The composition of fat varies depending on the type and processing of the oil. Medium-chain saturated fatty acids make up approximately 90% of coconut oil with a slight contribution of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and poly-unsaturated fatty acids.

What’s so good about Medium Chain Fatty Acids?

Medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCFA’s) are easily digested, absorbed, and utilized by the body, while freely crossing the blood-brain barrier in the unbound form, which means it can be used by the brain as an energy source but also for neurological health.

What’s also great is that virgin (unrefined) coconut oil is affordable, readily available, delicious and completely natural. It’s also contains the following properties…

The following list has been taken from Hybrid Rasta Mama. Please note that I do not endorse coconut oil as a cure or preventative measure for any of the following conditions. These are purely practical findings from the original author and should not be taken as medical advice.

Dandruff – coconut oil soaks into the scalp moisturizing dry skin and relieves symptoms of dandruff. It also helps to control oil secretion from the scalp, another leading cause of dandruff.

Deodorant – coconut oil alone can be used as a deodorant, but even more effective in combination with cornstarch/arrowroot powder and baking soda.

Diaper Salve – very comforting on a rashy bum with no harsh chemicals. Also safe for cloth diapers.

Eye cream – apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags and wrinkles. Use on the lids in the evening.

Face Wash/ Soap – mix equal parts coconut oil with olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil and castor oil and use in place of soap when washing your face. Wet face, rub oil in and leave on for two minutes, rinse and pat dry. One teaspoon should be adequate.

Hair conditioner/ Deep Treatment – use as a leave-in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest. For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight.

Hair Gel/ Defrizzer – rub a little between your palms and either scrunch into hair (for curly hair) or finger comb in through from scalp to ends (for wavy/straight hair).

Healing – when applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy.

Lubricant – it is an all-natural, perfectly safe personal lubricant for masturbation and sex. Not compatible with latex!

Makeup Remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works!

Massage Oil – pretty simple; grab some and rub!

Moisturizer – simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face. Often lotions are water-based and can dry out your skin even more.

Nipple Cream – works great to nourish cracked, sore or dry nipples. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on your nipples between feedings.

Acne Skin Fix – prone to oily skin or an oily T-zone? Use a pea sized amount underneath makeup or alone to reduce oil gland stimulation. Often acne prone skin is actually too dry, which signals your glands to produce more oil and clogs the pores.

Sunscreen – It’s not high, but coconut oil does have an SPF of around 4.

Swimmers Ear – mix garlic oil and coconut oil and put a few drops in affected ear for about 10 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day and it usually works within one or two days.

Tattoo Healing and Moisturizer – continued use of coconut oil on tattoos will help keep the pigment from fading. Used on new tattoos, coconut will hasten the healing process and decrease the chance of infection.

Toothpaste – there are numerous recipes out there but I just mix coconut oil and baking soda and dab a little of the mix on my toothbrush.

Coconut Oil for General Health and Wellness

Bones and Teeth – coconut oil aids in the absorption of calcium and magnesium leading to better development of bones and teeth.

Digestion – the saturated fats in coconut oil help control parasites and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.

Fitness – coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat while increasing muscle.

Insulin Support – Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose making it great for both diabetics and non-diabetic.

Lung Function – increases the fluidity of cell surfaces.

Nausea – rub some coconut oil on the inside for the wrist (PC 6) and forearm to calm an upset stomach.

Nose bleeds – coconut oil can prevent nose bleeding that is caused by sensitivity to weather such as extreme heat and extreme cold. This condition happens when the nasal passages become dry because of cold or dry air resulting to burns and cracks in the mucus membranes so bleeding happens. To prevent this just put coconut oil in you nostrils. Doing this will strengthen and protect the capillaries in the nasal passages.

Gum Health – oil pulling with coconut oil offers a two for one health benefit!

Stress Relief – relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level.

Polishing Bronze – all you have to do is rub a little oil into a cotton towel and then wipe down the statue. It cleans and helps deepen the color of your bronze.

Polish Furniture – coconut oil with a little bit of lemon juice to polish wood furniture. However, I recommend you test it first on a very small, unobtrusive part of your furniture to make sure it works the way you’d like.

Seasoning animal hide drums

Seasoning cookware

Soap making – coconut oil can be used as one of the fats in soap.

Did we miss any? Do you use coconut oil for something not on the list?

NOTE: This list has been taken from Hybrid Rasta Mama. Please note that I do not endorse coconut oil as a cure or preventative measure for any of the following conditions. These are purely practical findings from the original author and should not be taken as medical advice.

This website is NOT to be used as a diagnostic or treatment tool. Always consult with your Conventional Medical Doctor or Naturopathic Doctor for specific concerns. In cases of medical emergencies visit your nearest hospital or call 9-1-1.